Maria Graff, then Director of Cultural Affairs for the City of Vienna, argued in 2004 that Madeira should capitalize on the exile of Austria's Carlos I as a tourism promotion opportunity.
The statements followed the beatification of the last Austrian emperor. Graff believed it would be an excellent occasion to launch a new international campaign, suggesting the creation of an exile trail, including the tomb in Monte Church and Quinta do Monte, which would require adaptation.
To implement the idea, research into the period the emperor and his family spent on the island was necessary. Carlos I fell ill after an incident on the Monte train, which contributed to his death in Madeira. Graff felt these historical elements could attract tourists, similar to how the region promotes its levadas, banana production, or climate.
